Know by Sight – Meaning and Examples
Have you ever seen the barista at your favorite coffee shop every morning—but never spoken to them? Or noticed a neighbor who walks their dog at the same time each day? In English, you might say you know them by sight. This practical phrase means you recognize someone (or something) visually, but you don’t know them personally or have never spoken to them.
What Does “Know by Sight” Mean?
“Know by sight” means to recognize someone or something just by looking at them—without having a personal relationship, conversation, or deeper knowledge. Think of it like recognizing a face in a crowd, but not knowing their name or story. The phrase isn’t about memory tricks; it’s about visual familiarity without personal connection.
When to Use It
Use this phrase in casual or neutral conversations when describing people you see regularly but don’t interact with—like neighbors, shopkeepers, commuters, or local figures. It’s also used for places or objects you recognize visually (“I know that building by sight”). This phrase is informal but clear—great for everyday English, not formal writing.
Example Sentences
- I don’t know her name, but I know her by sight from the gym.
- He’s been coming to this café for years—I know him by sight.
- I’ve never been inside, but I know the library by sight.
- Do you know the manager personally, or just by sight?
Mini Dialogue
Alex: “Who’s that woman in the blue coat?”
Jamie: “I don’t know her name, but I know her by sight—she walks past my house every morning.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t use “know by sight” when you actually know someone personally. It only applies to visual recognition without interaction.
❌ Don’t say: “I know my best friend by sight.” (You know them deeply!)
✅ Do say: “I know the mail carrier by sight, but we’ve never talked.”
Practice Tip
Next time you see a familiar face you don’t know personally, say: “I know them by sight.” It’s a natural way to describe everyday recognition in English.
Final Note
Now you can use “know by sight” to describe visual familiarity with clarity and precision! It’s a subtle but useful phrase that reflects the quiet rhythms of daily life. Keep using it—and remember, in a busy world, sometimes knowing by sight is the first step toward a new connection.